Seasonal Simple Syrups for Iced Tea (and Everything!)

Yahoo Food
Updated

These inventive seasonal simple syrups—crafted for you to keep in the refrigerator all summer long—give iced tea or cocktails an extra-fresh zing. Now ain’t that sweet?

Orange-Tarragon Syrup

This refreshingly sweet and citrusy syrup is just the thing to perk up your drink.

See more: Homemade Simple Syrups

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup water
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh tarragon leaves

Preparation:
Bring sugar, orange juice, water, and tarragon leaves to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Boil 2 minutes. (Do not stir.) Remove from heat. Press through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of a spoon to squeeze out liquid; discard solids. Cool completely (about 30 minutes). Transfer to a jar; cover and refrigerate up to 3 months.

Lavender-Mint Syrup

See more: 19 Ways to Enjoy Sweet Tea

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon dried lavender buds

Preparation:
Bring sugar, water, mint leaves, and dried lavender buds to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Boil 2 minutes. (Do not stir.) Remove from heat. Press through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of a spoon to squeeze out liquid; discard solids. Cool completely (about 30 minutes).

Strawberry-Chile Syrup

Red pepper adds a spicy kick that acts as the perfect complement to sweet strawberries.

See more: Simply Southern Sweet Tea

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Preparation:
Bring sugar, water, strawberries, and dried crushed red pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Boil 2 minutes. (Do not stir.) Remove from heat. Press through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of a spoon to squeeze out liquid; discard solids. Cool completely (about 30 minutes).

Pineapple-Basil Syrup

The relaxing, tropical flavor of pineapple is the perfect way to welcome porch season. 

See more:Party-Perfect Sangria Recipes

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup water
1 cup firmly packed basil leaves

Preparation:
Bring sugar, pineapple juice, and water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Boil 2 minutes. (Do not stir.) Remove from heat. Add basil leaves, and steep 10 minutes. Press through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of a spoon to squeeze out liquid; discard solids. Cool completely (about 20 minutes).

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